video Posted in X Claims to show fires caused by attacks on the United States
we are under attack.
God, please help us… pic.twitter.com/TzIIfqXGCu
— Amy Kremer (@AmyKremer) September 29, 2024
Verdict: False
The footage shows an accidental firing, not a targeted attack.
Fact check:
Information that a chemical reaction occurred at a BioLab factory in Georgia, causing a large-scale fire. CNN. Preliminary investigations suggest the accident was caused by a broken sprinkler head interacting with a chemical that reacts with water, the newspaper reported.
The post, shared by Republican National Committee Chairwoman Amy Kremer on X, suggests the country is “under attack.” Her caption read: “We are under attack. God help us.”
The 18-second video shows a huge plume of black and white smoke rising over nearby buildings and trees. This photo was taken from a highway passing through Conyers, about 30 miles outside of Atlanta. (Related: Fact Check: Viral X Video Shows Hurricane Ian, Not Hurricane Helen)
There is no evidence that the fire was intentionally planned. The video was first posted by broadcast meteorologist James Spann. he captioned post A co-worker told her she was on Interstate 20 in the suburbs and told her, “The biolab is on fire right now,” she said. A photo in a CNN report about the incident matches the video footage.
From LeeAnna “James, we're on I-20 in Conyers, Georgia. BioLabs is on fire right now.” pic.twitter.com/31dpjz4HIM
— James Spann (@spann) September 29, 2024
The fire reportedly broke out on the roof of the factory early Sunday morning. Although the fire was extinguished by first responders, it later reignited and had to be extinguished again, CNN noted. Rockdale County Fire Chief Marian McDaniel told NBC News that the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. reported. She added that even if the fire were extinguished, the chemical reaction caused by the interaction of chlorine and water would permeate the area for “several days.”
No injuries were reported by the facility or nearby residents in connection with the explosion. However, due to the release of chemicals, forced evacuation Data published Sunday morning for people living closest to BioLab facilities. In addition to the approximately 17,000 people who were evacuated, more than 90,000 Rockdale County residents are currently in shelters.
